Community Reviews

This saga has many books, but it's composed of several parts. Book 1 to 4 are the Deverry Cycle. At the end of Book 4 (note that Bristling Wood is the US title and Dawnspell the UK title, but they are the same novel), you get a real ending. So don't hesitate to buy this book or the previous ones thinking it will be too long before you know the end.

I gave a detailed comment about Kerr's writing (strong, visual but with also an elevated style), the story and the big plus of the saga on my commentThis saga has many books, but it's composed of several parts. Book 1 to 4 are the Deverry Cycle. At the end of Book 4 (note that Bristling Wood is the US title and Dawnspell the UK title, but they are the same novel), you get a real ending. So don't hesitate to buy this book or the previous ones thinking it will be too long before you know the end.

I gave a detailed comment about Kerr's writing (strong, visual but with also an elevated style), the story and the big plus of the saga on my comment of the first book: Daggerspell.

This 3rd book is as good as the precedent (writing, atmosphere, plot, dialogues...). The story doesn't get redundant at all, and personnally I still enjoyed deeply the hours spent in the Deverry kingdom.

We still have flashbacks of the characters' previous lives. This time they grip you immediately, because the flashback begins in such a way you're directly thrown into the action, searching who is who. You'll have surprises there. The story set in the present becomes more intense and suspenseful and will also surprise you in many ways. Be prepared for unexpected and excellent turns. You'll definitely be more surpised here than in Book 2. The novel ends on an enormous cliffhanger. I suggest you buy Book 4 at the same time that Book 3 in order to avoid waiting to know what happens next....more

An entirely forgettable series. Interesting magic system, and Nevyn is a great character, along with the reincarnation concept... but something about the series strikes flat for me. It doesn't help that the author seems utterly pretentious with her forward, notes on pronunciation, and afterword. She is also extremely defensive about her work and her reasoning, taking pages to garrulously explain her methods and defend her choices based on common criticisms of the series. I wish she'd be above thAn entirely forgettable series. Interesting magic system, and Nevyn is a great character, along with the reincarnation concept... but something about the series strikes flat for me. It doesn't help that the author seems utterly pretentious with her forward, notes on pronunciation, and afterword. She is also extremely defensive about her work and her reasoning, taking pages to garrulously explain her methods and defend her choices based on common criticisms of the series. I wish she'd be above that in her work, but she seems to enjoy the petty squabbles and brow-beating people with her "superior knowledge and education".

The series also drags on for ages. Lots of trimming could have been done. Smells of a money grab to me....more

In this installment of the Deverry novels, we have two unfinished tales--the ongoing "current" story of Nevyn, Rhodry, and Jill and a new story of an earlier reincarnation of the souls of Galrion, Blaen, and Brangwen as Necyn, Maddyn, and Branoic. This book rolls right along, with intriguing characters around our main protagonists and plenty of plot twists. I will be diving into the final book in this arc of the Deverry books soon.

The Perryn story line, for all of its pain, is one that has always stood out to me as especially important in this series. It taught me some amount of perspective, because what revulsion I felt towards Perryn's action was tempered by the measure of pity I also felt for him. He truly didn't seem to realize what he was doing, but he harmed someone in a horrible way. Is he executed for his crime, or is he helped? Punishment, or rehabilitation? Which *should* it have been? I don't think there's a soThe Perryn story line, for all of its pain, is one that has always stood out to me as especially important in this series. It taught me some amount of perspective, because what revulsion I felt towards Perryn's action was tempered by the measure of pity I also felt for him. He truly didn't seem to realize what he was doing, but he harmed someone in a horrible way. Is he executed for his crime, or is he helped? Punishment, or rehabilitation? Which *should* it have been? I don't think there's a solid answer.

I had also forgotten that Rhodry's Bardekian story line took place so soon in the series. It's a interesting feeling, almost as if I'm reading these books for the first time, but knowing all of the back story because I'd read them before. But everything's out of order, jumbled up in my brain. I like having it a bit more orderly. I'm sure they'll jumble again after I've finished and put them aside for another year....more

These are totally awesome books and I recommend them to pretty much any fantasy reader. I remembered them as quite complicated and was a bit nervous restarting the series, but I've found they're also remarkably readable and once I start reading, I want to keep on going and going.

I've got one more to reread in the initial sequence, and they I'll be up to books I haven't read before.

I remember starting the fifth one when it came out, but I didn't stick at it for some reason. I think I was too inveThese are totally awesome books and I recommend them to pretty much any fantasy reader. I remembered them as quite complicated and was a bit nervous restarting the series, but I've found they're also remarkably readable and once I start reading, I want to keep on going and going.

I've got one more to reread in the initial sequence, and they I'll be up to books I haven't read before.

I remember starting the fifth one when it came out, but I didn't stick at it for some reason. I think I was too invested in the original set of characters and I couldn't move on to a new configuration. I'm older now (a lot older) and I'm looking forward to working my way through all fifteen of them.

But back to this one. A great book but not the place to start. Go back to Daggerspell and discover the wonder that is Katharine Kerr's Deverry....more

This is a nice paced fantasy story with a good mix of realism and magic. The characters are pretty typical and there is a tad too much politics for my taste. I was sad to find that the book ends in an abrupt cliff hanger that requires the reader to continue on with the series.

This was a good build-up to the next book. Reading about Perryn was creepy and awful. I liked reading about the founding of the silver daggers, but the previous few books covered how the previous incarnation of the characters influenced the modern day retelling, and I didn't see any repeat of the Maddyn-Branoic-Owaen tragedy in 843.

I'm reminded of this author's delicate humour, like:

As the evening wore on, a fair amount of customers drifted into the inn. As soon as they realised that Nevyn was a

This was a good build-up to the next book. Reading about Perryn was creepy and awful. I liked reading about the founding of the silver daggers, but the previous few books covered how the previous incarnation of the characters influenced the modern day retelling, and I didn't see any repeat of the Maddyn-Branoic-Owaen tragedy in 843.

I'm reminded of this author's delicate humour, like:

As the evening wore on, a fair amount of customers drifted into the inn. As soon as they realised that Nevyn was an herbman, he had custom of his own and set up something of a dispensary on a table in the curve of the wall, out of the tavernman's way. When he was done, a young sailor named Sacyr, who'd bought herbs to ease a bad hangover, settled down next to him and insisted on buying a round of ale so that he could start developing his symptoms all over again.

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.This third book in the Deverry-cycle was, as was the second part, a bit of a mixed bag. Whereas I previously stated that these books needed a strong past-storyline -which wasn't really the case with Darkspell- The Bristling Wood makes it clear that despite having a good story in the past, the current storyline with Jill and Rhodry must be strong as well to elevate the book above the muddle.

The first part of the novel takes us back to the very beginning of what is called the 'Silver Daggers'. ThrThis third book in the Deverry-cycle was, as was the second part, a bit of a mixed bag. Whereas I previously stated that these books needed a strong past-storyline -which wasn't really the case with Darkspell- The Bristling Wood makes it clear that despite having a good story in the past, the current storyline with Jill and Rhodry must be strong as well to elevate the book above the muddle.

The first part of the novel takes us back to the very beginning of what is called the 'Silver Daggers'. Through Maddyn, we learn how the silver daggers came to be and in the end, you get the whole picture up till now.It seems as if this part is the metaphorical glue that keeps the other past stories together, and though not really engrossing, it makes a very nice and stable read throughout. However, it doesn't really feel like this story is finished, so I kinda expect another book to revisit Maddyn and his friends.The storyline of Rhodry and Jill, however, is more of a mixed bag. Throughout most of the second part of the novel, there is the constant threat of the Hawks, but when push comes to shove, it's rather underwhelming. All they do in the end, is kidnap Rhodry. No creepy stuff like the Dark Dweomer, nothing. I was pretty disappointed.The other 'villain', Perryn, however, was quite creepy and it was disheartening to see what he did to Jill.

Talking about Jill and her soulmate Rhodry, they really got on my nerves this time 'round. Jill not all that much, but Rhodry acted so daft sometimes you just wanted to slap him back into reality.

A little note on the writing. As the books progress, there is a small improvement on Kerr's writing. Not that it was bad, but it's just getting more and more fluent, whereas Daggerspell was somewhat stiff sometimes. There is also some minor distiction in (large) chapters. Hurray to that! I am one of those readers who really appreciate chapters, cause it gives a certain structure to the book and it keeps my reading pace up. Whereas when it's all in one chunck -as it is the case with Kerr- I find myself dragging through it cause I need a reprieve. It's still nog what I'd like, but it's a start.

All in all, a quite decent book with some flaws and some disappointing villains, but I'm looking forward to the conclusion of this first cycle....more

This is my favourite of the series so far! In this book the modern day plot follows Jill and Rhodry as they are forced apart by circumstance, and ends on a real cliffhanger where Rhodry vanishes, and it is up to Jill and Salamander to try and find him. In the past we meet another incarnation of Jill and Rhodry, at a time when the silver daggers are brought into being and Rhodry fights to bring the one true king of Deverry to power.

As I said in a previous review, because the flashbacks tend to beThis is my favourite of the series so far! In this book the modern day plot follows Jill and Rhodry as they are forced apart by circumstance, and ends on a real cliffhanger where Rhodry vanishes, and it is up to Jill and Salamander to try and find him. In the past we meet another incarnation of Jill and Rhodry, at a time when the silver daggers are brought into being and Rhodry fights to bring the one true king of Deverry to power.

As I said in a previous review, because the flashbacks tend to be the bulk of the book, it is necessary to find them entertaining if the novel as a whole is to be considered a success. In this novel, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Jill and Rhodry's previous life, especially the novelty of Jill being reborn into a man's body this time around. It was a gripping insert, and I loved to see exactly why the silver daggers came into being.

We saw a great deal more of modern times, and the politics affecting Deverry. Lovyan stepped onto centre stage, and I appreciated the fact that Kerr wrote into the story strong female characters. I got tired of Rhys' stubborn ways concerning Rhodry and was frighteningly indifferent to his plight.

One character I was genuinely curious about and repelled by was Perryn. His treatment of Jill, and the way he was able to entice women, was presented as extremely disturbing, especially because it was so involuntary.

Again, I loved the Wildfolk, and found it particularly amusing when Salamander used them to cow the pirate folk of Slaith.

All in all, a great book. Because of the extreme cliffhanger and the introduction of Taliesyn as a character, I am desperate to read the fourth in this sequence and think that Kerr is doing a fabulous job bringing the world of Deverry alive....more

I read the previous books long ago, so I was a little lost at the start. But only for short time, soon I could easily recall who is who and what happened. That means I liked the second book more than I thought :) And partly it was because the first, and not short part of book, is venture into the past - about 200 years back. So plenty of time to refresh the memory. Considering that it's story in story, it was long, but luckily interesting. Mostly thanks to Nevyn, who plays not a small role in thI read the previous books long ago, so I was a little lost at the start. But only for short time, soon I could easily recall who is who and what happened. That means I liked the second book more than I thought :) And partly it was because the first, and not short part of book, is venture into the past - about 200 years back. So plenty of time to refresh the memory. Considering that it's story in story, it was long, but luckily interesting. Mostly thanks to Nevyn, who plays not a small role in the past and also in the present events. Well, there're also previous reincarnations of main characters, but to tell truth, I'm not very excited about them, they're like another story - good, but not center of my interest right that time. It feels far less separated, if Nevyn, as an anchor, is the same person in both parts. As for second part - it's quick ride and even more taking than the first. The story holds your attention, gets unexpected turns and ends in a way, that I just cannot wait when I will have spared a little of time for next book. I know, usually it's annoying, especially if you have wait year or two for continuation, but that isn't a problem now. And I like the story better than I dislike the absence of real end. I have read worse endings - in middle of scene or dialogue. But I'm glad that there will be one (talking about end) in fourth book, although that is not last from Deverry series. ...more

This series by Katharine Kerr, about a strange, vaguely Welsh world in which reincarnation is a reality, magic exists, and the sins of the past become the problems of the present continues to both impress and entertain.

The book continues to weeve together a tale of 'the present', together with characterization of the past of the incarnations of those it follows. That is the souls of those the Grand Sorcerer 'Nevyn' wronged in his earliest mortal life. As tensions mount, politics becomes more comThis series by Katharine Kerr, about a strange, vaguely Welsh world in which reincarnation is a reality, magic exists, and the sins of the past become the problems of the present continues to both impress and entertain.

The book continues to weeve together a tale of 'the present', together with characterization of the past of the incarnations of those it follows. That is the souls of those the Grand Sorcerer 'Nevyn' wronged in his earliest mortal life. As tensions mount, politics becomes more complex, and the presence of Dark Wizards standing in opposition becomes apparent, this book continues to rivet. Though a warning that is serves very much as a transition novel. While it does feel whole, unlike it's predecessors there is a very definite sense at the end that you want to continue. It's a 'Empire strikes back' of a novel.

The integration of the past and present are always excellent. The reincarnation theme lets Kerr do several things at once; She can expand and highlight themes by drawing them out in very different situations(for example, the question of who you end up loyal to). She can also expand on historical elements. Here we begin to find out the origin of the 'Silver Daggers', those rogue mercenaries made of honourless men clinging to the only honour they are now permitted.

In any case, while it definitely stands within a series, the book was still very entertaining, and made me rush out to assure I had the next in the series....more

The story of Jill and Rhodry continues in this the third book of the Devvery series by Katherine Kerr. At this point the characters are more developed, we have gotten to like and loathe with equal passion both the good and the bad. At times even our hero's are irritating. Such feelings when reading a book are a sign that the author has really got into your soul!

The to and fro between the past and present remain the bulk of the story as it does with the earlier novels; this is necessary though tThe story of Jill and Rhodry continues in this the third book of the Devvery series by Katherine Kerr. At this point the characters are more developed, we have gotten to like and loathe with equal passion both the good and the bad. At times even our hero's are irritating. Such feelings when reading a book are a sign that the author has really got into your soul!

The to and fro between the past and present remain the bulk of the story as it does with the earlier novels; this is necessary though to understand what is happening and where Kerr is leading you. I did enjoy this book, however there was one disappointing scene where we see our hero Jill enticed away through sorcery from Rhodry - thus dooming the relationship. I had really seen her as a strong and powerful woman, one who did not take crap from anyone! Arguably it was use of magic that 'ensorcelled' her mind but for it to happen to Jill was really disappointing. Inevitably a love affair between a bastard child of a mercenary and a Royal Prince (even one who has been banished) was never going to go any where, but all the same perhaps Kerr could have used political intrigue instead of weakening Jill in this way.

That was my only disappointing bit, other than that I loved this book, there are lots of strong female characters in it and it was good to see Lovayn, Rhodry's mother step up onto centre stage. ...more

Kerr begins to hit her stride in this, the third book of the Deverry series. Whereas before she wrapped up her plots rather thoroughly, leaving only the barest of threads to lead into another novel, with The Bristling Wood Kerr takes her time tellimg her story and doesn't shy away from leaving unresolved issues, her first real indication that this series is going to be a long and involved one. Her "prior incarnation" stories are also becoming more detailed and rich, standing as good stories in tKerr begins to hit her stride in this, the third book of the Deverry series. Whereas before she wrapped up her plots rather thoroughly, leaving only the barest of threads to lead into another novel, with The Bristling Wood Kerr takes her time tellimg her story and doesn't shy away from leaving unresolved issues, her first real indication that this series is going to be a long and involved one. Her "prior incarnation" stories are also becoming more detailed and rich, standing as good stories in their own right, rather than as supplements to the "current incarnation" story. And she's showing more of a willingness to screw with her characters, which is usually a good sign, as it indicates that an author is more interested with telling an engaging story rather than showcasing what he or she sees as "the best" aspects of their creation. A definite improvement over the first two books....more

It has been 16 years since I first picked up the first Deverry novel, DaggerSpell, and here in am, 16 years later, about to finish the fifteenth and final one.

Has the journey been worth it? Yes. Was the wait too long? Yes.

I would not recommend anyone starts reading the Deverry cycle unless they intend to read them all, as the macroscopic story is at least as important as the microscopic ones, and as such I am reviewing the books as a set.

I almost give them 4 stars (excellent) but in the end I amIt has been 16 years since I first picked up the first Deverry novel, DaggerSpell, and here in am, 16 years later, about to finish the fifteenth and final one.

Has the journey been worth it? Yes. Was the wait too long? Yes.

I would not recommend anyone starts reading the Deverry cycle unless they intend to read them all, as the macroscopic story is at least as important as the microscopic ones, and as such I am reviewing the books as a set.

I almost give them 4 stars (excellent) but in the end I am not enjoying them quite as much as I did in my early 20's and so I settled on 3 stars (good). As fantasy novels go the concepts and the writing are really excellent but for me the last couple of books haven't been as enjoyable as the early ones and it's a lot to expect people to read fifteen novels. That said I don't regret a single minute of the time I spent in Deverry. I even used to own a 'deverry' domain and use the handle of 'Rhodry' when t'internet was young.

Highly recommended IF you have the stomach for a lot of reading....more

3.5 stars, but rounding upThe main story trudges forth slowly in this third installment of Katharine Kerr's Deverry series. Fortunately, the flashback stories (with the previously incarnated characters) are delightful and provide lots of insight into the magical world the author has created.The is a portion of the main story which bothered me quite a bit-one of the main characters is raped. While rape is repugnant and awful, it wasn't the assault that bothered me as much as the "That's terrible3.5 stars, but rounding upThe main story trudges forth slowly in this third installment of Katharine Kerr's Deverry series. Fortunately, the flashback stories (with the previously incarnated characters) are delightful and provide lots of insight into the magical world the author has created.The is a portion of the main story which bothered me quite a bit-one of the main characters is raped. While rape is repugnant and awful, it wasn't the assault that bothered me as much as the "That's terrible but oh well" attitude the fictitious male characters seem to harbor. I realize this book is decades old, and is actually quite forward thinking considering the prevalent attitude concerning rape at the time it was written, but it still niggles me in my heart of hearts.Overall, this book is nicely done and I adore the series as a whole. Looking forward to the fourth installment....more

Note: In the UK, this book is titled Dawnspell. In the US it is The Bristling Wood.

Dawnspell: The Bristling Wood is my favourite of the series so far! In this book the modern day plot follows Jill and Rhodry as they are forced apart by circumstance, and ends on a real cliffhanger where Rhodry vanishes, and it is up to Jill and Salamander to try and find him. In the past we meet another incarnation of Jill and Rhodry, at a time when the silver daggers are brought into being and Rhodry fights to bNote: In the UK, this book is titled Dawnspell. In the US it is The Bristling Wood.

Dawnspell: The Bristling Wood is my favourite of the series so far! In this book the modern day plot follows Jill and Rhodry as they are forced apart by circumstance, and ends on a real cliffhanger where Rhodry vanishes, and it is up to Jill and Salamander to try and find him. In the past we meet another incarnation of Jill and Rhodry, at a time when the silver daggers are brought into being and Rhodry fights to bring the one true king of Deverry to power. In the process, we learn a great deal more about the politics affecting Deverry.

The third in the Deverry series, it looks as if this one is the last with the multiple centuries, where the same souls interact with each other in similar ways, having been reborn in different bodies, even with different sexes. Sometimes annoying, this is the defining character of the series, and I will be sad to see it go. It also leaves us with several of the threads incomplete. How did Prince Mael get to be the head of the Maelwedds? How did Nevyn maneuver a decent king on to the throne of alThe third in the Deverry series, it looks as if this one is the last with the multiple centuries, where the same souls interact with each other in similar ways, having been reborn in different bodies, even with different sexes. Sometimes annoying, this is the defining character of the series, and I will be sad to see it go. It also leaves us with several of the threads incomplete. How did Prince Mael get to be the head of the Maelwedds? How did Nevyn maneuver a decent king on to the throne of all Deverry? Oh well, maybe another book will tell us. In the meantime, this book mostly keeps the tale of Rhodry, Jill and Nevyn going quite well, ending unfortunately with a cliffhanger, which is bearable this time as I have the next several books on a shelf.......more

Perhaps I'm late to the conclusion but I've decided Rhodry isn't a main character. He's just a really boring secondary character that has a large impact on Jill even though he's unspeakably unworthy of her or the story. I'm glad Nevyn's position with regards to what relationship he is to have with the reincarnations of Gweniver-now-Jill has been clarified but I'll go on hoping for a May-December something to happen because I really, really don't like Rhodry. It's funny actually how much I don'tPerhaps I'm late to the conclusion but I've decided Rhodry isn't a main character. He's just a really boring secondary character that has a large impact on Jill even though he's unspeakably unworthy of her or the story. I'm glad Nevyn's position with regards to what relationship he is to have with the reincarnations of Gweniver-now-Jill has been clarified but I'll go on hoping for a May-December something to happen because I really, really don't like Rhodry. It's funny actually how much I don't like him considering I actually quite liked most of his previous incarnations.

So this series continues to be a one of those frustrating affairs where the author really likes a character I don't but that is otherwise outstanding....more

It is easy to see why this is such an enduring and much loved series. It just keeps getting better the more you read it. The story tightens up in this third installment of act one. This is due in large part to the reduction in past incarnations of the main characters. This go round only two are covered. There is the present reincarnation featuring Jill and Rhodry and a previous incarnation that takes place when the Kingdom of Deverry - as Jill and Rhodry know it - is being formed. By default, wiIt is easy to see why this is such an enduring and much loved series. It just keeps getting better the more you read it. The story tightens up in this third installment of act one. This is due in large part to the reduction in past incarnations of the main characters. This go round only two are covered. There is the present reincarnation featuring Jill and Rhodry and a previous incarnation that takes place when the Kingdom of Deverry - as Jill and Rhodry know it - is being formed. By default, with the focus tightened, the character development is also more focused, making this my favorite book so far.

Bristling wood continues the adventures of Rhodry and Jill mostly. Much of the story isn't about Rhodry and Jill but long digressions into fight scenes. The book doesn't get interesting until the end which makes if feel like a comic book series with each comic book having a reversed plot arc which starts the the climax and ends with the hook. The opening of Bristling Wood is particularly dull.I liked the book better after I read Kerr's explanation included at the back about how the plot resembleBristling wood continues the adventures of Rhodry and Jill mostly. Much of the story isn't about Rhodry and Jill but long digressions into fight scenes. The book doesn't get interesting until the end which makes if feel like a comic book series with each comic book having a reversed plot arc which starts the the climax and ends with the hook. The opening of Bristling Wood is particularly dull.I liked the book better after I read Kerr's explanation included at the back about how the plot resembles Celtic knot patterns, and about how the theme is of pre-Christian European meditative practices. I still wish it had less fighting and more dramatic irony and character development....more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.This is the 3rd book in the Deverry cycle. It starts out much the same as the others, with Jill and Rhodry on the road, but there are many dangers that await them.

It was good, pretty much more of the same, but the "B" story (the flashback) was actually more interesting to me than the main story. I also have an uncomfortable problem when main characters get in trouble, I want to flip ahead to see how they get out of it, but of course reading it on a Kindle keeps that from happening.

Anyhow, if youThis is the 3rd book in the Deverry cycle. It starts out much the same as the others, with Jill and Rhodry on the road, but there are many dangers that await them.

It was good, pretty much more of the same, but the "B" story (the flashback) was actually more interesting to me than the main story. I also have an uncomfortable problem when main characters get in trouble, I want to flip ahead to see how they get out of it, but of course reading it on a Kindle keeps that from happening.

I think this would have been a good book if I had read the first two. As it is though, I felt like I was jumping in the middle of the story (which I was) and I was completely lost. To make things even more confusing, halfway through the story jumps ahead 400 years (I don't remember how many for sure) and tells a different person's story. I actually liked the second story better once I finally realized what had happened(that took a few chapters).

This book contains lots of sex and crude language.I think this would have been a good book if I had read the first two. As it is though, I felt like I was jumping in the middle of the story (which I was) and I was completely lost. To make things even more confusing, halfway through the story jumps ahead 400 years (I don't remember how many for sure) and tells a different person's story. I actually liked the second story better once I finally realized what had happened(that took a few chapters).

Born in Ohio, 1944. Moved to San Francisco Bay Area in 1962 and has lived there ever since. Katharine Kerr has read extensively in the fields of classical archeology, and medieval and dark ages history and literature, and these influences are clear in her work. Her epic Deverry series has won widespread praise and millions of fans around the world.